ATLANTA — Mike Macdonald known as Rashid Shaheed’s shot.
Form of.
Main as much as their recreation towards the Falcons on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks had seen sufficient on movie to imagine they may exploit Atlanta’s kickoff unit, particularly with Shaheed, a harmful return man, within the fold.
However because the Seahawks’ coach was wrapping up his halftime remarks within the guests locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he did not predict that Shaheed would return the opening kickoff of the third quarter for a landing a lot as he informed him to.
“He actually known as it out,” Seahawks nickelback Nick Emmanwori stated. “He was like, ‘Sheed, go take one again to the home.'”
Shaheed delivered, racing 100 yards to the top zone to interrupt a 6-6 tie and ignite a second-half rally, throughout which Seattle outscored Atlanta by 28 factors, en path to a 37-9 victory. His first landing as a Seahawk — and third particular groups rating of his profession — appeared all however sure as soon as he broke by way of the primary wave of defenders on the 35-yard line and had solely the kicker to beat at that time.
It was a part of a breakout efficiency for Shaheed, who had 4 catches for 67 yards, marking his greatest recreation since Seattle acquired him a month in the past in a commerce with the New Orleans Saints.
“Primarily based off the movie that we watched, we knew that we have been going to have a chance to attain, and that is what we did,” Shaheed stated. “We had excellent calls, and that is a testomony to our coaches.”
And it is a testomony to Shaheed’s game-breaking pace, a trait that compelled the Seahawks to surrender a fourth- and fifth-round decide to amass him within the final 12 months of his contract. Although their main motivation was to offer their passing recreation a longtime deep menace and one other complementary choice to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Shaheed’s return potential — he was a Professional Bowl choice and a first-team All-Professional returner in 2023 — was a bonus.
So was his relationship with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was New Orleans’ playcaller final season. Shaheed was the Seahawks’ prime goal amongst receivers main as much as the Nov. 4 commerce deadline. Basic supervisor John Schneider was so enthusiastic about the potential for buying him that he needed to struggle the urge to inform Shaheed whereas standing close to the receiver throughout pregame warmups when the Seahawks hosted the Saints in Week 3.
It wasn’t till the day of the commerce deadline that Schneider sealed the deal, and he needed to up his provide to take action.
“They did a pleasant job of preserving him all the best way to the deadline,” Schneider stated final month on Seattle Sports activities 710-AM. “However he is a participant we had recognized a number of weeks in the past as a man that would actually add to your group with the top-end pace and the return potential and all that, and clearly Klint is aware of him actual effectively, all the blokes that got here from New Orleans. The aggressive spirit, the persona and most significantly, the individual, the character, that you simply’re placing within the locker room this time of the 12 months is all the time extremely vital.
“So, we simply caught with it and it bought very furry there on [the day of the trade deadline]. They have been like, ‘It is an AFC group and also you guys, and also you higher step up,’ so we did. So, we have been blessed sufficient to get him.”
The Seahawks then misplaced rookie Tory Horton — their No. 3 receiver and punt returner — to a shin problem that ultimately landed him on injured reserve. However whereas including Shaheed proved to be well timed in that regard, it hadn’t been that impactful over his first 4 video games, as he had solely 73 scrimmage yards on 9 touches in that span.
That modified in a giant approach Sunday.
Two of Shaheed’s 4 catches towards Atlanta transformed third downs. A kind of went for 33 yards, serving to arrange Sam Darnold’s second of three landing passes.
“He had an enormous kick return, however he makes performs on a regular basis at follow,” Darnold stated. “… He is been executing at a excessive stage all through these video games ever since he is gotten right here, he simply hasn’t had essentially the alternatives that different guys have had. The truth that he lastly bought his at this time was particular to see.”
Smith-Njigba has and can proceed to be the point of interest of Seattle’s passing recreation. After catching 7 passes for 92 yards and a couple of touchdowns Sunday, the NFL’s main receiver has accounted for slightly below 45% of the Seahawks’ receiving yards this season. In line with ESPN Analysis, that is on observe to be the third-highest proportion by any participant in a season for the reason that 1970 merger.
However that manufacturing has introduced loads of consideration from opposing defenses. Earlier than Shaheed’s arrival, the Seahawks ran essentially the most performs towards bins with at the very least eight defenders of any group. Within the 5 video games since Shaheed’s arrival, they rank tenth in such performs.
“He can run each single route, and his pace is harmful, so groups have gotten to respect that, particularly should you’ve bought eyes on me or whoever,” Smith-Njigba stated. “He will spring open, and when onerous work meets alternative, I do know he will shine. You noticed slightly little bit of that at this time, so the long run is shiny for him on this offense.”
With how effectively the Seahawks’ protection is enjoying, Seattle would have crushed Atlanta even with out Shaheed’s breakout recreation. The Seahawks, at full power on that facet of the ball for the primary time this season, compelled three turnovers and held the Falcons out of the top zone.
However whereas the Seahawks have seen their protection dominate for a lot of the season, that they had been ready to really feel the complete results of the distinction Shaheed could make.
Take into account that wait over.
“He will be — he’s a giant key to this offense and we’ll want him,” Smith-Njigba stated. “I believe us simply enjoying that recreation, 2-on-2 on the market, I really feel like I can spring him open and he can undoubtedly spring me open, so it should be a significant piece of this offense shifting ahead.”
